07.03.2012
Latvian rally team „RE Autoclub” have made a cooperation agreement with worldwide known pilot “flying Finn” – Toni Gardemeister for season 2012. In 2005 WRC 4th place taken driver this week visited Latvia and tried out “RE Autoclub” produced rally raid cars.
"RE Autoclub" team director Roberts Elbakjans and experienced Finnish driver Toni Gardemeister agreed to cooperate in season 2012. First Gardemeister competition as “RE Autoclub” driver will be „Italian Baja” that will take place from 15th till 18th of March. All participants will have to manage more than 400 km long distance.
„We are ready to go further in „RE Autoclub`s” development and attract new professional drivers who will represent us. We are convinced that Toni is the best decision for us and about his professionalism able to represent our company weather in Europa or other countries in the world,” says Roberts Elbakjans „RE Autoclub” team director. Under “RE Autoclub” guidance this year in South America three crews took a part in rally raid Dakar 2012. „At the moment with Toni we have agreed about participation in „Italian Baja” and some rally raids in Russia.”
„In rally I am driving already for 19 years, honestly I can say it is acquainted thing for me. Rally is in my blood. Every day I`m waking up with it, living it and even I am going to sleep with it! For a long time I have been thinking about new challenges and Roberts Elbakjans proposal was just in time”, says Toni Gardemeister.
From 1996 till 2010 Gardemeister has participate in 113 world championship stages and represented such companies us „Seat”, „Mitsubishi”, „Skoda”, „Ford” and „Suzuki”.